Animal Companions as Kin

Background

Some of my latest work, undertaken in collaboration with Nik Taylor, Clemence Due, Heather Fraser, Shoshana Rosenberg, Tania Signal, and Catherine Donovan, has focused on cross species kinship relations, specifically where humans form kinship relations with non-human animals. The primary focus of this research is on experiences of both domestic violence and animal abuse in the context of intimate relationships, drawing on a survey with sexuality and/or gender diverse people in Australia and the UK. We are also currently exploring the meanings of animal companions to refugee and migrant children, the occurrence of animal abuse in the context of families where children protection issues arise, and the meaning of animal companions to lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender women.

A full list of my research publications on the topic of animal companions as kin can be found further down the page, and are drawn on in the applications of research findings sections below.

Applications of research findings for practitioners

Our study with sexuality and/or gender diverse people found that participants who lived with an animal companion and who had experienced familial abuse reported less psychological distress than did participants who had experienced abuse and did not live with an animal companion. In addition, participants who had experienced familial abuse and who lived with animal companions reported higher social support than those who had experienced familial abuse and did not live with an animal companion. Considering that many people of diverse genders and/or sexualities experience familial abuse, the finding about the positive benefits of animal companions is significant for this population group. These findings are important for professionals to keep in mind and further explore in their practice. In addition, professionals need to be aware of the significance of animal companions to people more broadly.

Our study with children of migrant or refugee backgrounds who had resettled in Australia found that the children spoke about a sense of loss with regard to animals following migration, or about animals being a source of strength and/or connection following resettlement in Australia. For those who left animal companions behind, the sadness of this may impact on feelings of belonging or liking their new lives in Australia. For those who discussed animals after resettlement (whether in terms of living with animal companions or spending time with animals in other ways), animals offered a unique way to feel at home in Australia. These findings suggest that professionals working with children of migrant or refugee backgrounds need to consider the potential significance of relationships with animals to children, and how this can impact on the resettlement process. Furthermore, the findings support previous research that animals can be therapeutic for people who have experienced trauma, something which professionals should be aware of.

Applications of research findings for people living with animal companions

The study with sexuality and/or gender diverse people found that participants who both lived with an animal companion and had experienced familial abuse reported less psychological distress than those who had experienced familial abuse and did not live with an animal companion. In addition, participants who had experienced familial abuse and who lived with animal companions reported higher social support than those who had experienced familial abuse and did not live with an animal companion. These research findings suggest that living with animal companions may mean people experiencing familial abuse experience less psychological distress and higher social support. Whilst not suggesting that all people should live with animal companions, these are useful findings to keep in mind for people who are sexuality and/or gender diverse, as this population experiences familial abuse at high rates.

The study with children of migrant or refugee backgrounds who had resettled in Australia found that the children spoke about a sense of loss with regard to animals following migration, or about animals being a source of strength and/or connection following resettlement in Australia. For parents and carers of children of migrant or refugee backgrounds, these findings are useful as they indicate it is important to keep in mind feelings of loss children may experience if they have to leave animal companions behind, and that this may impact on their happiness and feelings of belonging in Australia. The findings support previous research that animals can be therapeutic for people who have experienced trauma, and whilst not all children can live with animal companions, parents and carers may find it therapeutic for children to interact with animals in other settings.